Matthew Hayden believes Rohit Sharma’s future in India’s ODI setup, and his chances of making the 2027 World Cup squad, should ultimately be decided by the veteran batter himself.
Rohit, who has retired from Tests and T20Is, remains active in ODIs at 39. With the 2027 World Cup approaching, questions have persisted over whether he can continue handling the demands of international cricket alongside the IPL. He has shown determination to make a case for the tournament by undergoing a strict fitness regime but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors seem to be looking beyond them, and have already conveyed to him that he’s not a sure-shot starter for the World Cup, as of now.
Citing the examples of his fellow cricketers and head
coach Gautam Gambhir, Hayden said such questions inevitably arise towards the end of a player’s career, but stressed that Rohit alone will know when it is time to walk away.
“Look, when you get to the age Rohit is at, you start facing those questions. Before him, it was Virat, and before that, it was Gautam Gambhir. It just goes on and on. You can’t play this beautiful game forever,” Hayden told ANI.
“When you reach that stage of your career, you’re inevitably asked whether it will be the IPL or international cricket that goes first. Rohit has already retired from Test cricket, so ultimately, only he can know whether he still fights a lion to keep charging through what is an incredibly demanding schedule.”
Hayden added that maintaining the required intensity becomes increasingly difficult with age.
“You need a young man’s energy to compete at the very highest level. So, in the end, it will be entirely his call,” he said.
Rohit, nevertheless, has continued to make a strong case for himself. During India’s ODI tour of England, he scored a stunning 138 off 110 balls in the series decider at Lord’s, although India lost by 27 runs.
